Spark a passion for science: Ed Hernandez

Editor's note: For more than a year, Commentary's Spark of Innovation feature has periodically spotlighted local engineers and scientists to encourage Orange County students to see career possibilities for themselves in science, technology, medicine and engineering. We offer a new feature, Spark a Passion for Science, highlighting teachers, administrators, parents, students and organizations focused on improving STEM education in Orange County schools. Bill Blanning and Science@OC coordinate this feature.

•What are you teaching in class right now? 3-D Computer Aided Design using SolidWorks 3-D modeling software. Everything that is manufactured today must be designed first, almost always by computer. My students have the opportunity to become Certified SolidWorks Associates, a professional certification held in high regard throughout industry. With it, they'll be one step ahead when it comes time to look for a job or apply to college.

•What do you see as the biggest single challenge in teaching science and math? Relevance. Most students will put forth 100 percent of their effort if they enjoy the subject matter and if they can see its relevance to real-world applications. Bring the "real world" into the classroom! Show students where, how and why they are learning what they are learning. Let's face it, without a connection to the real world, most of the traditional science and math curriculum is pretty boring.

•What would be the most successful outcome of your work? Success, in my opinion, would be seeing my students pursue and engage in STEM-related careers where they can make a tangible contribution to our society. I've already seen results from our program, having a number of students go on to engineering in college or get a job or internship.

•Who or what "sparked your passion for science"? I grew up at a time of explosive technological growth when there was a new technological marvel seemingly every day. The Sony Walkman, The VCR, the CD player, the personal computer, video games and MTV all emerged at approximately the same time – it was awesome. As a senior in high school, I learned that engineers were responsible for just about everything around me; it was then that I decided to pursue a career in engineering.

•Where did you go to college? I attended UC Irvine. I have a bachelor of science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, a minor in Psychology and a master's in Education.

•Looking back at your years in school, which courses best prepared you for your work today? In high school, my laboratory science classes as well as drafting and metal shop best prepared me. I was on the typical UC track, but it was the hands-on classes that stoked my curiosity about how things worked.

•What makes you particularly well-suited for your job? In my opinion, when it comes to teaching any branch of STEM, there is no substitute for real-world experience. So, when a student asks me: "When am I ever going to use this?" – I know the answer because I've seen its real world application first hand! I worked in the semiconductor industry for 13 years and another year in the automotive sector before switching to education. I would not have been nearly as effective as a teacher if I started fresh out of college without any private industry experience.

•What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction? Seeing students apply their academic knowledge for the first time and hearing them say, "This is cool!" Knowing that a student has found a new appreciation for school because of their experiences in my class is the best feeling in the world.

•Are you involved in the arts in any way? Ironically, my sister is a professional artist, and my wife has a degree in Art History. As a result, I have grown to appreciate how a lot of modern product design requires an artistic eye. In my classes, I incorporate skills such as hand sketching and drawing, color theory, painting and aesthetics, especially my Product Design class. I applaud the push for STEAM and I am looking to grow the relationship with our Art department.

•What is the best advice you received that has helped further your career? Pick a career path that will challenge you, and don't do anything just for the money. And, from my science teacher: "Be observant, and follow directions!"

•What would you tell a student who may think a STEM career is beyond his or her reach? Technology touches all aspects of our lives; you don't have to be a rocket scientist to be part of the STEM revolution. Look around – everything that gets plugged in, turned on or assembled needs someone to design it, build it, service it and dispose of it. There is a spot for everyone.

Science@OC partners with Orange County educators to develop scientifically literate students, and engages the Orange County community to inspire students to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers.